CLUBLAND
Whatever your interest, there's a club night for you in Victoria. Melbourne is a great city for clubbing, with a rich selection of venues and sounds. It's also where huge one-off events like the Big Day Out and Summadayze take place, attracting big-name artists and DJs from across the globe. Regional Victoria also has great venues and hosts regular events like the Falls Festival near Lorne and the Meredith Music Festival.
At the door
In Melbourne, pick up free entry passes by the door at fashion and music stores. You'll also find free copies of Melbourne's club and gig list magazines there. Look out for Beat and Inpress magazines. Tune in to local radio stations PBS, Triple R or Joy FM for more clubbing information. Hostels also have information on local club nights, with free drinks, happy hours, discounted entry and backpacker nights.
Venue dress codes vary. Melbourne bouncers are immune to the simple art of persuasion – so dress smartly and you'll improve your chances of getting through the door.
Venue dress codes vary. Melbourne bouncers are immune to the simple art of persuasion – so dress smartly and you'll improve your chances of getting through the door.
Be seen
Club districts include Chapel Street in South Yarra and Prahran, where Boutique, Revolver and onesixone are located. City centre super-clubs include Embassy, with 6 bars over 3 levels, and Icon where laybacks and dancing on the bar are actively encouraged. For celebrity spotting, Boutique is worth dressing up for. Club onesixone is a popular haunt in trendy Prahran and Seven in South Melbourne has huge nights, with big name DJs and plenty of punters.
Relax
More intimate than the big clubs, these these smaller venues are usually clustered close together. Head to Cherry for modern rock n' roll and live music; Croft Institute for its quiet downstairs bar and upstairs party haven; or Pony for local DJs and live music. On the city fringe, your choices include A Bar called Barry for indie hits and retro nights; the Prince of Wales for international bands, and DJs; and Yah Yahs for bands and DJs every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.
Getting home
Melbourne's public transport starts at 5.00am and stops at midnight, Monday to Saturday. Sundays it stops a 11.00pm, and starts again at 8.00am. Catch the handy NightRider bus on the weekend. Sharing a taxi cab is a good option after dark. There is a surcharge for taxi fares between midnight and 6.00am.
